Best Farmers' Market (2005)

Pity the fool who hasn't browsed the rows of delightfully handmade and hand-harvested offerings at the Bayou City Farmers' Market. As local jazz players weave their way around the musical scale, shoppers move through the stalls in the parking lot behind 3000 Richmond, checking out fruits and vegetables, cheeses, blended teas and locally roasted coffees. Step up and sample a lovingly blended salsa or sniff a goat's-milk soap. Some of the most successful and established growers from Harris County and beyond make the weekly trek to this market. Some even do it twice, laying out their wares at the less-attended Wednesday gathering. For those just beginning the crossover from mega-farm chain groceries, be prepared. The carrots, cucumbers, radishes, squash and berries grown in regional organic Texas soils pack a wallop of flavor and texture that may take you by surprise. Proceed with caution.